|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – ATLANTA – Cancer of the colon, ovaries, appendix or other organs within the abdomen often spreads to the lining of the abdominal cavity, a condition is known as peritoneal surface malignancy. Until recently, treatment options for this form of cancer only provided relief from symptoms.
Emory University Hospital is now using a “one-two punch” combination therapy to slow or prevent recurrence of this cancer. Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion (HIPEC) is a procedure done immediately following surgery that circulates heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity where it can penetrate cancerous tissue. Heat at 42 C (107 F) destroys cancer cells and enhances the power of chemotherapy.
“It’s a combination of surgery and targeted chemotherapy,” says Charles Staley, MD, chief of surgical oncology at the Emory Winship Cancer Institute. “By bathing the abdomen with heated chemotherapy immediately following surgery we can administer a higher dose of medication than would normally be tolerated by a patient if given intravenously, which is the traditional way chemotherapy is administered.”
During surgery, Staley will remove all visible tumors throughout the abdomen, a procedure known as cytoreductive surgery. Following surgery, while still in the operating room, Staley will administer the HIPEC treatment, which takes about two hours.
“The procedure also improves drug absorption with minimal exposure to the rest of the body,” says Staley. “This way, the normal side effects of chemotherapy can be avoided.”
Recent studies have shown the prognosis of patients with peritoneal surface malignancy improved with HIPEC after complete cytoreductive surgery. An article in The Cancer Journal earlier this year outlined results of survival and quality of life data in and concluded that the procedure is recommended for those patients who are fit to undergo major surgery.
For more information on the HIPEC procedure, go to http://emoryhealthblog.com.
Subscribe to our FREE Ezine and be eligible for Health News, discounted products/services and coupons related to your Health. We publish 24/7.
HealthNewsDigest.com
We also create, produce and distribute tv/cable public service campaigns: HealthyTelevisionProductions